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Vertical Foundations | Supporting America’s Infrastructure
Course Information
Deep foundation systems are a crucial component of America’s infrastructure because they provide a stable base for building structures in areas where the shallow soil or rock is not strong enough to support the weight of a building. Deep foundations can reach deeper to stronger soil or rock layers, providing better support for the structure. They are commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, offshore platforms and other infrastructure projects as well as wind and energy projects, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions. Deep foundations play an important role in ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the infrastructure, and therefore play an integral part in supporting the economic growth and development of the country.
For example, the Chicago Caisson is a type of deep foundation system used in the construction of tall buildings, bridges and other infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. It is a cylindrical structure made of steel, wood or concrete that is drilled, driven or excavated into the ground to reach a suitable layer of soil or rock that can support the weight of the structure being built. The Chicago Caisson is known for its high load-bearing capacity and stability, making it a popular choice for large infrastructure projects in the region. The method was popularized in Chicago due to the area’s challenging soil conditions near Lake Michigan, and its use has since spread to other parts of the world where similar soil conditions exist. The Chicago Caisson remains an important component of the infrastructure of Chicago and continues to play a key role in supporting economic growth and development.
Foundation systems utilizing corrugated steel pipe to support wind turbines, transmission towers, deep foundations or vertical shaft applications are efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, playing an integral role in the infrastructure of America.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how federal funds help support some of these construction projects.
- Discover how renewable wind energy is helping American infrastructure with two efficient wind-turbine foundation solutions.
- Learn about onsite mobile construction options for projects that are remote or where logistics prove more difficult when large material needs are required.
- Discover the history of the Chicago Caisson and its continued use.
- Find out about some efficient and cost-effective methods for transmission lines and grid-improvement projects.
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